STATE OF THE MEDIA IN ZAMBIA Chingola Magistrate Stephen Mabona adjourned the matter to February 7 for commencement of trial. Hundreds of Chingola residents thronged the court under the presence of armed police. On Tuesday, the Human Rights Commission condemned the continued detention of Bishop Kazhila. Communique-31st January (Times of Zambia) The construction of provincial studios in Kabwe by the Government through the ministry of information and broadcasting services (MIBS) is almost complete and only the instillation of equipment is remaining. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya said that much of the works had already been done and that Zhong Mei Engineering Company limited, the contractor was expected to install the equipment in 2 months’ time. Ms Siliya said this when she visited the site in Kabwe’s industrial area on Wednesday in the company of central province Minister Sydney Mushanga. She said that all the six provincial studios across the country apart from solwezi and Choma were nearing completion. Ms Siliya said her Minister was working with Star Times and Ministry of Finance to ensure that the disbursement of the money towards the completion of the works is done. “This studio would have been completed in 2019 but we hope it can be operationalized this year, on the building, we are happy it is standing but we hope it can be operational as quickly as possible. The equipment that is in the country is just in the storeroom and the contractor is telling us that they will install the machines in two months’ time and then we can move from there,” MS Siliya said. Alert-1st February (Lusaka Star Newspaper) MISA Zambia has expressed concern over the circulation of unverified reports on social media which have the potential to cause chaos and negative effects on the lives of many citizens. MISA Zambia Chairperson Hellen Mwale said that they are concerned about the reports that have come from the Copperbelt and other areas across the country concerning the suspected ritual killings and other speculations been spread through social media. Ms Mwale said the misuse of social media by people with vested interests to harm the reputation of others while using pseudo names online is worrisome. She stated that even if social media has enabled citizens to share news and stay abreast with events occurring around them, social media should not be abused. “MISA Zambia wishes to call upon members of the public who abuse social media to desist from doing so and henceforth stop the spread of falsehoods as this has the potential to cause panic and alarm”, She said. Alert-2nd February (Diamond TV) pg. 51